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"Then why not shut down the factory? If it had been done earlier, the Grimers wouldn't have appeared."
Ash turned around, leaving a faint comment before walking away. He wasn't doing this for the people of the city but for the Pokémon waiting for treatment at the Pokémon Center.
"..." Officer Jenny was at a loss for words, and the power plant staff exchanged uneasy glances.
The city's industrial activity had caused severe pollution, and the Grimers only began appearing after the situation worsened. It was undeniably harsh to deprive the Grimers of their habitat—a situation created by human negligence.
But stopping the industry was not an option. Though the city had a sparse population, its factories and industries supplied crucial resources to the entire region. These operations were essential for the region's needs, making them indispensable. Shutting them down would spark widespread opposition.
Buzz!!!
Just as Ash and the others prepared to leave, the lights around them began to flicker, accompanied by a low buzzing sound. Startled, the group froze in their tracks, and the staff exchanged worried looks.
"What happened?"
"This is bad! For some reason, the power plant's voltage has become highly unstable!" A technician rushed in, clutching a laptop. Opening it, they displayed erratic data readings that fluctuated wildly on the screen.
"How could this be? Wasn't the power restored?" another staff member asked with a frown.
"We're not certain yet!" The technician's expression grew grim.
"Everyone, spread out and investigate immediately!" one of the senior staff commanded. The team scattered without hesitation, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Voltage instability was far more critical than a simple power outage. If it persisted, the power plant's equipment might fail, leading to catastrophic damage. Worse, an overloaded voltage could result in a devastating explosion, paralyzing the city's entire power supply system.
"How could this happen? Could the Grimers be behind this again?" Officer Jenny frowned as she assessed the chaotic situation.
"Uh-huh!!!"
The Magnemite nearby floated toward Ash and his companions, emitting a low, mechanical hum. Its magnets twitched, pointing in a specific direction, as if trying to guide them.
"Is there something over there?" Ash asked, his brow furrowing as he watched Magnemite's movements.
"Uh-huh!!!"
Magnemite nodded in affirmation but appeared uneasy, its gaze fixed on the direction it was indicating. Fear flickered in its expression.
Ash glanced at the direction Magnemite was pointing. The Pokémon's nervous demeanor hinted that something unsettling was ahead.
"Let's check it out," Ash decided firmly. He looked at Misty and Brock, returned Fraxure to its Poké Ball, and gestured for Pikachu to hop onto his shoulder. Turning to Officer Jenny and Brock, he signaled them to follow. The group set off at once.
Magnemite hesitated, its anxiety evident. It lingered behind, glancing nervously after the group. For a moment, it remained frozen in place, torn between fear and concern for the others. Then, with a determined look, it mustered its courage and flew after them.
The path ahead was dimly lit, with the flickering lights casting eerie shadows. As Ash and the others followed Magnemite's lead, the lights began to fail completely. Darkness engulfed the area, making it difficult to navigate.
"This place is enormous. Without someone to guide us, it feels like a maze," Brock remarked, his eyes scanning the surroundings as they plunged deeper into the power plant's shadowy corridors.
"Where are we now?" Brock asked after a while.
"This section used to be the main power generation room," Officer Jenny replied. "But it's been abandoned for years."
A faint, unsettling noise echoed through the darkness.
"Huh?" Ash stopped abruptly, his ears straining to catch the sound. Without a word, he sprinted ahead, the strange growl growing louder. It was faint but carried a distinct edge of rage.
Ash's sharp senses caught the emotional intensity of the sound. Yet, when he glanced at Misty and Brock, neither of them seemed to notice it. He frowned. If not for the raw emotion embedded in the growl, he might have dismissed it as his imagination.
"What's over there?" Ash muttered, his gaze fixed on the looming darkness ahead, his eyes glinting with determination.
As they reached a corner and turned, Misty suddenly collided with something unseen. The impact sent her stumbling backward, but Officer Jenny quickly caught her before she could fall.
"Ouch! That really hurt!" Misty winced, clutching her abdomen.
Meanwhile, a small figure landed smoothly on the ground after bumping into her. It paused only for a moment before leaping toward Ash and the group.
!!!
A thunderous roar echoed as golden lightning lit up the dark corridor. A yellow figure dashed toward Ash with incredible speed.
"Pika!!"
Pikachu reacted instantly, leaping from Ash's shoulder. Its tail gleamed with a metallic shine as it unleashed Iron Tail to counter the incoming attack.
Boom!!!
The clash of their moves sent embers flying, momentarily brightening the surroundings. Both Pokémon were thrown back from the impact. Pikachu landed in front of Ash, crouching low to the ground, its gaze fixed warily on the figure ahead.
Brock quickly pulled out his flashlight and shone it forward, revealing the culprit: a small, electric Pokémon.
"That's... Elekid!" Brock exclaimed as the light fell on the figure, immediately recognizing the Electric-type Pokémon.
"Elekid? Could it be causing the power plant's abnormal voltage?" Misty asked, still holding her abdomen but now eyeing the Pokémon warily. Officer Jenny's expression grew serious as she assessed the situation.
Elekid, however, paid no attention to anyone else. Its sharp gaze locked onto Pikachu. A mischievous grin spread across its face, and a fierce determination blazed in its eyes.
Pikachu met Elekid's gaze, sensing its challenge. Sparks seemed to fly between the two as their fighting spirits clashed. Without a word, the rivalry between the two Electric-types ignited, fueling their mutual desire for battle.